Install win 10 or not

I am currently using win 8.1 pro on my laptop which has a legit key. I am wondering if I could / should update to win 10 pro without waiting for an email from MS? If so, where can I d/l an update copy of win 10 pro or do I need to install it by wiping out 8.1 and install a fresh copy of win 10 pro and using my 8.1 key?

I am currently using win 8.1 pro on my laptop which has a legit key. I am wondering if I could / should update to win 10 pro without waiting for an email from MS? If so, where can I d/l an update copy of win 10 pro or do I need to install it by wiping out 8.1 and install a fresh copy of win 10 pro and using my 8.1 key?

Plz let me know.

thx

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If you wish to have Windows 10 for free and not have problems with activation or having to pay for a key, first you must perform an upgrade (not a fresh install). After you upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, you will be automatically activated, and then you can perform as many clean installs as you wish on that system. Your Windows 8.1 key will NOT function if you enter it when installing Windows 10.

I say have your cake and eat it too: get Acronis, Paragon, EaseUS, etc. and make an image backup you can restore at any time. 12 hours ago I had three Windows 10 machines. But now, with so many members questioning M$'s intent with W10 and privacy, I knocked two machines back to Windows 7. A good imaging program and you get to do want you want, when you want. That also includes getting a good sleep.

Etch-A-Sketch, Mister Microphone, Easy-Bake Oven
"I didn't fail to plan. I planned to fail ... and succeeded." "The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.""The first step to recovery is admitting your friends have a problem."​

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you use no 8.1 key for 10 btw, fresh install requires a 10 key, no other key will work. Only option is to go from 8.1 UPGRADE to 10, and then fresh install skipping key, never entering one ever. That is how 10 works now.

privacy, that is your matter and should be left to your decision based on your own findings and beliefs.

I remember when Windows 8 came out: XP and Win 7 users screamed in agony. No start button/menu. A Metro UI with live tiles that reminded folks of a 20 year old AOL. The Charms Bar. Plenty to hate. But I just don't recall users complaining about being spied on - all of their activity and files being scanned by IBM's Watson and the NSA. Seems like something is different here. Next thing you know is I'll be prosecuted / persecuted over my headless Barbie Doll collection.

Etch-A-Sketch, Mister Microphone, Easy-Bake Oven
"I didn't fail to plan. I planned to fail ... and succeeded." "The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.""The first step to recovery is admitting your friends have a problem."​

Stop hovering to collapse...Click to collapse...Hover to expand...Click to expand...

I am currently using win 8.1 pro on my laptop which has a legit key. I am wondering if I could / should update to win 10 pro without waiting for an email from MS? If so, where can I d/l an update copy of win 10 pro or do I need to install it by wiping out 8.1 and install a fresh copy of win 10 pro and using my 8.1 key?

I remember when Windows 8 came out: XP and Win 7 users screamed in agony. No start button/menu. A Metro UI with live tiles that reminded folks of a 20 year old AOL. The Charms Bar. Plenty to hate. But I just don't recall users complaining about being spied on - all of their activity and files being scanned by IBM's Watson and the NSA. Seems like something is different here. Next thing you know is I'll be prosecuted / persecuted over my headless Barbie Doll collection.

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Because, at that time, many things were different:

No much about NSA at that time! That came shortly later!!

None of the 'experienced' members of MDL jumped on Windows Spying!

There were a lot of differences to the older OS'es!

There were NO Start Menu

There were Metro!

and, and, and!!

In Windows 10 were most of those older problems solved/changed/eliminated, so there were others things to find to complain about!

And that's the main point: There a lot of members, who NEED to get something to complain about! There're all times nothing for them good enough and even if they didn't find something, they will create something! Objectivity is something what and unknown thing in their life! As well as Freedom of Expression for others, to add! There some members, who's intention is, just to find anything wrong they could jump on! Or asking for help on the board and doing the opposite as suggested! This and many other things what could be used for complaining, abusing, attacking, subjective comments and, and, and, looks like to be the main intention of those people!

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Any PM send to me asking for private help, will be deleted immediately without prior notice, I'll maybe only answer if the writer send a working e-mail address!
Any inappropriate and/or accusing PM's will be reported to Admin directly!​

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